By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The upcoming fourth annual All Wheels Cruise-In car show, a benefit for Brantley School, is shifting gears with a new location and an expanded lineup for 2024. The event will be held at the Dow-Sport Annex, formerly the Old National Guard Armory in Brantley, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. rather than its original location in the pecan grove on Fulton Avenue.

Event organizer Larry Johnson is optimistic about the turnout for this year’s event, which has garnered attention across several states.

“Come on out, enjoy the cars, grab some goodies and good food, and make it a day to remember,” Johnson said. “We have advertised the event in several states, and there are going to be vendors and cars from all over. There are other car clubs helping, including our sister clubs and for that I am very thankful.”

Spectators can attend the event for free. Vehicle registration for participants is $25, which includes a T-shirt and five door prize tickets. All types of vehicles are welcome. Vendor spots are $25 each, with setup beginning at 7 a.m. Vendor fees will be collected on-site. 

Clean, air-conditioned porta potties will be on site during the hybrid event which is a little cruise-in mixed with the essence of a standard car show.

Door prize tickets will be available for purchase at the event, priced at $1 each, $5 for six tickets or $20 for 25 tickets. With nearly 100 door prizes up for grabs, organizers encourage early morning ticket purchases to minimize time spent in the midday heat and to maximize your chances of winning. Prizes donated by local businessess and organizations include two Zebco 33 spinning reels, various gift certificates, power tools, a jack stand, shop towels, water hoses, folding chairs, metal signs by HNL Repair / Ken’s Welding, coolers, car cleaning kits, several cash-filled envelopes, hunting and fishing items and more.

A 50/50 drawing will also be held and those interested need to see a member of the Bad Boys of Brantley car club either now or at the gathering. Car club members and helpers will be wearing gray t-shirts with the state of Alabama on the front and All Wheels Cruise-In sponsors on the back.

Food offerings will include fried fish plates, homemade chicken salad, hamburgers, hotdogs, boiled peanuts, fresh popcorn and others with several food trucks set to be present. Vendors will provide a wide range of items such as candles, clothing, lotions, home decor, honey products, art pieces, other handmade items and more.

Darryl Elliott, a Brantley resident, member of the Bad Boys of Brantley car club and radio personality for several stations including The Big KD 106.3 Troy, highlighted the event’s growing reputation, noting that the All Wheels Cruise-In is now ranked among the top 10 car shows in America.

“The car show has grown tremendous legs,” Elliott said. “The event kicks off Friday night on Fulton Avenue, in the pecan grove, with a giant cook-off. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, pulled pork, fried fish and more available Friday evening and Saturday.”

Elliott extended an invitation to the community and beyond to come out and enjoy the unique automobiles, delicious food and friendly atmosphere, all in support of Brantley School.

“Every dollar raised goes to Brantley School,” Elliott said. “We give out prizes, and we have a lot of fun, but what makes this event beautifully unique is that it is truly community-driven and organized by people from all walks of life. Each year, we come together to make this car show a special and unique experience for our community.”

For more information, contact Larry Johnson at (334) 429-1688.